C T Online Desk: More than 100 Bangladeshi economists from around the world have expressed deep concern about violence in Bangladesh, condemning the government’s harsh response to student protests, including “shoot-on-sight” orders and live fire from security forces, which resulted in over 200 deaths and thousands of injuries.
More than 10,000 individuals, mostly students, had been unlawfully detained, they said in a statement on Sunday.
They called for the government to issue a public apology, meet the legitimate demands of the students, and restore democracy and citizens’ rights.
They said they unequivocally supported the right of students and citizens to engage in peaceful protest, criticizing the harassment and unlawful detentions of protesters and the recent internet blackout that had silenced dissent and prevented the documentation of abuses.
The ongoing violence and repression not only harmed individuals but also had long-term implications for the nation’s social and economic well-being, they said.
The economists extended their heartfelt solidarity to the students, their families and all those affected by these tragic events.
They stressed the importance of bringing all perpetrators and instigators of violence to justice, calling for immediate action to protect the fundamental rights of all citizens and ensure justice and accountability.
The signatories include Bangladeshi economists affiliated with leading Bangladeshi research organizations and universities, as well as global universities and institutes of excellence such as Harvard University, Florida International University, Monash University, the International Food Policy Research Institute, the University of London, University of Sussex and Yale University.
The signatories are based in 14 different countries, including Australia, the US, Canada, Japan, the UK, Malaysia and New Zealand, highlighting the global concern and solidarity with the Bangladeshi people.
Some of the signatories are Asad Iskam, professor of economics at Monash University, Mehrab Bakhtiar, research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute, Adnan MS Fakir, lecturer at the University of Sussex, and Salim Rashid, professor emeritus at the University of Illinois.
They also urged the international community to support these efforts and ensure justice and accountability.
